Draken International, based at Lakeland Linder Airport, rose from 90th last year to 18th this year on Inc. Magazine’s list of 5,000 fastest-growing companies in the U.S.
Category: Business
Posted inBusiness
Reececliff Owner Apologizes to Pregnant Applicant
Reececliff Family Diner faced online backlash earlier this week after a job applicant was asked not to show up for an interview after she disclosed she is pregnant. Restaurant owner James Bronkhorst issued an apology Thursday, saying the employee erred and inviting the woman in to discuss job possibilities. Here is the response we got […]
Posted inConsumer
Alcohol Sales Rules Loosened for Unincorporated Polk
Grocery and convenience stores in unincorporated Polk can now sell beer and wine on Sunday mornings. County commissioners on the prevailing side of Tuesday’s 3-2 vote said those merchants should have the same rules as competitors within Lakeland and Lake Wales city limits. Unlike in Lakeland, alcohol sales will still not be allowed in restaurants […]
Posted inBusiness
News Release: IKEA Warehouse to Bring 200 Jobs
IKEA announced today it will lease 326,000 square feet for a distribution center off Allen K. Breed Highway in Lakeland’s County Line Road warehousing corridor. The facility is expected to open in early 2019 and will bring 200 jobs to the area, the company said. The fulfillment center will be operated by DHL Supply Chain and […]
Posted inBusiness
Smashing New Business Opening on Edgewood
When you just want to break something and pay $30 (or more) for the privilege, there’s a new business in Lakeland for you. Are smash rooms really a thing? Apparently so. The Tampa Bay Times reports they’re popping up around the country, and one is opening at 2120 E. Edgewood Drive on Saturday.
Posted inBusiness
Grove Park: New Publix Coming; Two Leases Cancelled
The Ledger’s Kevin Bouffard breaks news that the Publix Supermarket at Grove Park Shopping Plaza will be torn down and replaced by a slightly larger structure that will include a pharmacy and liquor store. The owners two small businesses say the Publix expansion is pushing them out. Shopping center owner Forge Capital Partners has cancelled […]
Posted inBusiness
Lakeland Country Club Plans Feb. 1 Opening
The Lakeland Country Club on Lake Hollingsworth is moving along on several fronts, former Ledger Editor Lenore Devore writes for The Lakelander: Construction on the site that held the predecessor Lakeland Yacht and Country Club should be complete by year’s end, with opening scheduled for Feb. 1 and several large events booked for March. Membership […]
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Disney Film’s Lakeland Spend Estimated at $134k
The Walt Disney Pictures crews that spent three days filming “The One and Only Ivan” in Lakeland last month spent $134,365 in Polk County, Visit Central Florida says. The numbers were provided to the tourism agency by Disney’s production supervisor. Included: $38,115 on 363 hotel room nights, $31,250 on local cast, $5,000 on catering, $5,000 on miscellaneous […]
Posted inBusiness
Draken Continues Adding to Its Fleet
With multiple U.S. Air Force contracts and 22 new Mirage F1s, the company based at Lakeand Linder Airport has “has emerged as the behemoth” among “America’s private air forces for hire,” The War Zone reports. Source: The War Zone
Posted inBusiness
Florida Poly President Discusses New Building, Area Development
Unwilling to wait for an unwilling Legislature, Florida Poly administrators have identified other funds to begin construction of a $38 million research building. In an hour interview, university President Randy Avent discussed development on the land surrounding the campus, leading County Commissioner Todd Dantzler to comment that he’s heard there’s a letter of intent to […]